Alienware M18x Series

The Alienware M18x Haswell is undeniably one of the most powerful portable gaming laptops one could hope for. It certainly doesn't come cheap, but it’s an ultra powerful gaming laptop, made of premium materials and design. This huge 18 inch monster weighs in at a massive 5.5 kg. It serves well as a desktop replacement, with occasional jaunts to LAN parties. Covered in anodized aluminum, the feel of this machine is premium all the way. The magnificent exterior with customizable lights is a party favor that is endlessly awesome. There’s even a HDMI port that can switch between input/output allowing use of a HDTV as display, or use of the Alienware M18x’s screen with input from a game console or a cable box.

One of the most unique features of this beast of a machine is that it runs two GeForce GTX 780M cards linked by Nvidia's SLI. The 1920x1080 display is absolutely stunning. Hardcore gamers will have no problems with maxed out settings. The Alienware M18x comes equipped with a slot-loading Blu-Ray drive for media lovers who want to make full use of this machine's graphic abilities. Because of the power-hungry, powerful graphic cards, the battery life is absolutely dismal despite the power saving features of the Haswell Intel Core i7 4900MQ. Using it far from a power outlet will be a very short lived experience. If money does not matter, this is definitely the laptop to own for gaming and performance.

88%Review Alienware M18x Notebook | NotebookcheckFirst-class in every way. Tired of having a typical desktop PC sitting on your desk? Want a replacement which offers great performance? The new Alienware M18x fits the bill. This 18 inch model is not only visually impressive, it also packs the latest hardware under its hood. The perfect replacement for the everyday desktop PC?

80%Alienware M18x (AMD Graphics) Notebook ReviewSource: Laptop MagAs the saying goes, two is always better than one, but which dual video card setup should you get on the Alienware M18x: AMD's or Nvidia's? While the AMD-powered M18x scored a little higher on the synthetic 3DMark06 test, the Nvidia-powered configuration had slightly higher frame rates in actual game play. At present, Alienware also charges $150 more for the Nvidia cards, making the AMD seem like a better value on this rig, though Nvidia has a minor edge in real-world performance.
With either video card option, the Alienware M18x remains the gaming notebook to beat, if money is no object. If you don't have $4,500 laying around, the next best option is the $2,076 ASUS G73SW-A2 with its 2-GHz Intel Core i7-2630QM CPU, 16GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 560M, and 750GB, 7,200-rpm hard drive and 160GB SSD. But if you're looking for the most powerful gaming rig in the land, stick with the Alienware M18x. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/11/2011Rating:Total score: 80%

Alienware's M18x, Part 2: AMD's Radeon HD 6990M in CrossFireSource: AnandTechWe had a hunch that NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 580M would continue to be the fastest single GPU available in notebooks, and that turned out to be accurate...mostly. In a couple of games the 580M is a slam dunk, while in others it trades blows with AMD's Radeon HD 6990M. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/14/2011

80%Alienware M18x Notebook reviewSource: PC AdvisorIf you’re looking for a proper desktop replacement -- replacing a gaming desktop, that is -- the Alienware M18x is undoubtedly the notebook to pick. It’s massive and has a price tag that’s painful, but its performance is almost unparalleled. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/22/2011Rating:Total score: 80%

85%Alienware M18x gaming notebookSource: Good Gear GuideThe Alienware M18x is a desktop replacement notebook in the truest sense — it’s powerful enough to replace a desktop workstation, but it’s also as big and as heavy as a desktop PC. The Alienware M18x is, for a laptop, incredibly powerful. It’s also incredibly bulky, incredibly heavy, and incredibly expensive. It’s just an incredible machine. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/16/2011Rating:Total score: 85%

80%Alienware M18X reviewSource: TechradarEssentially, if you're not a hardcore gamer, there is no reason to spend this kind of money. But if you want the best mobile gaming experience around, this is what you should be looking at. Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/12/2011Rating:Total score: 80%

80%Dell Alienware M18x 18.4in gaming notebookSource: Reg HardwareThe M18x lives up to expectations. It feels lovingly crafted around gamers' needs, combining superlative design, build quality, aesthetics and scalable power. But it comes at a cost. The review model's price compares reasonably well to other gaming laptops, but component upgrades incur a luxury brand tax, with the top spec costing close to £5k. The real issue, however, is one of positioning. The extra size, weight and power consumption required by the dual graphics cards pushes it into competition with much cheaper desktops. For all it's gaming power, that's one contest the M18x can't win. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/02/2011Rating:Total score: 80%

Alienware M18x Review – even aliens use gaming notebooksSource: Gaming RigFor a gaming notebook of its size the Alienware M18x delivers huge amounts of raw power with the build quality and high end components we’ve grown accustomed to from Alienware. Starting with pure performance and moving all the way to the multimedia or desktop replacement sector, the M18x doesn’t disappoint. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/01/2011

80%Alienware M18x ReviewSource: Stuff TVIn gaming parlance, the M18x is a big bundle of win. However, the specced-up model we tested is expensive, and configuring it with a lower spec lessens its appeal drastically. You can spend half as much on a laptop which will perform three quarters as well and look four fifths as good. For most of us, the numbers don't add up. But if money isn’t an issue and you want the best, this is it. Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/29/2011Rating:Total score: 80%

70%Alienware M18x 18.4-Inch Gaming Laptop ComputerSource: Comp ReviewsAlienware's latest gaming laptop comes in the form of the larger than life 18.4-inch M18x system that features a 1920 x 1080 full HD display. Unfortunately, the base M18x is somewhat underwhelming for the price with only 4GB of memory, a small 320GB hard drive, and an average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M 1.5GB graphics card. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/07/2011Rating:Total score: 70%

100%Alienware M18x Laptop ReviewSource: HardwareheavenWhere to start with the M18x? Well it probably has to be the size... this system is a desktop replacement without doubt and has a significant weight to it thanks to the tough, metal outer shell and large display with high end components/cooling inside. These factors do count towards build quality in a positive way though because the M18x feels well build, looks great and has an epic feel to the screen. Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/19/2011Rating:Total score: 100% price: 80% performance: 100% workmanship: 100%

100%Alienware M18x R1 - Über BeastSource: notebookforums.comThe anodized aluminum chassis is built like a brick house. There is no other high performance laptop that runs as well. It overclocks like a dream and it can be upgraded about as easily as a desktop computer. Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/03/2012Rating:Total score: 100% performance: 100% features: 100% display: 100% workmanship: 100% ergonomy: 100%

Dell Alienware M18x – ReviewSource: GadgetmixAbility to play the newest games at maximum settings and resolution is probably to be expected for over 4000 euros, and all in all the Alienware is about as future-proof a notebook as money can buy. So what is there to complain about with? Lack of Firewire? Not really. Perhaps the price. Amazon sells nicely loaded Dell Alienware M18X laptop with case for $2,349. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/28/2011

Alienware M18x Gaming Notebook: Tale of Two GPUsSource: Hot HardwareThe Alienware M18x is a notebook built for gaming and performance enthusiasts, plain and simple. This isn't a machine designed to strike a balance in power efficiency or portability by any means. Dell's Alienware division apparently built the M18x with one mission in mind--to deliver the best possible gaming and multimedia experience available in a self-contained, "desktop replacement" form-factor. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/04/2011

80%Alienware M18x ReviewSource: Laptop MagTo paraphrase Samuel L. Jackson in Jackie Brown, if you absolutely, positively need to kill everyone at the LAN party, accept no substitutes. If you can only afford one GPU, the $3,300 M17x is a better option, but its chassis can only accommodate a single graphics card. But if you can swing for two GPUs, then the M18x is the way to go. From power to weight to price, this notebook simply has more--the most--of everything. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/29/2011Rating:Total score: 80%

90%Alienware M18xSource: Techreview SourceWith the highest configuration, gaming performance was simply outstanding at the highest graphics setting for all of the games tested. It is definitely the best-performing laptop that we've tested to date, thanks to the amazing specifications and uncommon SLI-graphics setup.
Battery life, as you can expect, with the Alienware M18x is rather poor compared with all other laptops at about 1.5 hours, so you'll definitely want to stay near a power source if you do any portability. Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/17/2011Rating:Total score: 90%

80%Alienware M18xSource: PC MagWhen it comes to portable gaming, Alienware delivers the goods. The M18x not only offers world-class performance, it does it with style and excellent build quality. Granted, you'll have to open the vault to afford this beauty, but you'll get your money's worth in terms of features, screen real estate, storage, and raw horsepower. You may want to consider hiring a roadie if you'll be taking this beast out on the road, and you won't get much playing time between battery charges, but if you're serious about gaming, the Alienware M18x is the current king of the hill and our new Editors' Choice for gaming laptops. Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/14/2012Rating:Total score: 80%

88%Review Alienware M18x R2 Notebook | NotebookcheckCrossFire deluxe. Hardcore gamers who don't care to make friends with a desktop PC have come to the right address with Alienware. The massive M18x is looking for customers in its second revision now with dual GPU solutions. Does a double Radeon HD 7970M mean double the fun?

Alienware M18x R2 Gaming Laptop: Dual GPUs AttackSource: Hot HardwareStraight and to the point, if you're looking for a no-compromises desktop replacement, the Alienware M18x R2 has your name written all over it in big, bold, neon letters. This is the system to get if you don't care about trivial things like portability (it weighs 12 pounds, after all), price (and costs around $4,400), and battery life (dual GPUs...'nuff said). Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/29/2012

90%Alienware M18x R2Source: Techreview SourceThe Alienware M18x R2 is definitely one powerhouse of a computer. It has a fantastic 1080p display, top-of-the-class performance and good battery life. While quite expensive, it makes a great gaming laptop and will handle anything you throw at it. Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/08/2012Rating:Total score: 90%

Alienware M18x R2 Notebook Review: NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 680M in SLISource: AnandTechAs I mentioned in the conclusion of my review of the Alienware M17x R4, there are no points awarded for repetition. The original M18x was good but not perfect, and simply repeating the design instead of at least iterating it isn't going to somehow result in a better review. I think for the most part the shell does work; the aluminum is attractive and however you feel about Alienware's aesthetics, it's at least distinctive and feels sturdier than competing notebooks from Clevo. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/28/2012

100%Alienware M18x R2 ReviewSource: Laptop MagEach year, Alienware keeps outdoing itself in terms of performance, and this year's M18x R2 is no different. Its dual Nvidia GPUs, dual SSDs and gorgeous 1080p display put the M18x in a class by itself. The customizable lighting and booming audio just add to the fun. If you have the means, this gaming notebook is absolute perfection. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/31/2012Rating:Total score: 100%

Alienware 18 Source: Hot HardwareIf pressed, we’re not sure we’d change much of anything on this gaming beast. It would be nice if the optical drive could burn Blu-rays, and the front edge where your wrist rests while you use the machine could be a little more comfortable. Other than that, there’s really nothing else you could ask for. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/26/2013

80%Alienware 18 reviewSource: IT ReviewsThe Alienware 18 ($4,499, direct) gaming laptop is an unapologetic show of opulence and riches. Big, bulky, and ostentatious as heck, the Alienware 18 is the ginormous gaming laptop you want to use to show off your riches on the game grid. Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/13/2013Rating:Total score: 80%

80%Alienware 18Source: PC MagThe Alienware 18 is a huge gaming laptop, but it throws performance, features, full-featured keyboard, smooth trackpad, customizable lighting, lots of I/O ports, and a great screen into the mix. It's the high-end gaming portable gaming rig you'd want if you want to show off, and if you can afford the just under $4,500 price tag. The Alienware 18 beats the Origin EON17-SLX on flash, performance, features, intimidation, and looks. That's a recipe for our latest Editors' Choice for high-end gaming laptops. Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/11/2013Rating:Total score: 80%

80%Alienware 18 ReviewSource: Laptop MagFor the same price as the $4,399 Alienware 18, you could buy 63 Amazon Kindles, 22 Google Nexus 7s or a brand-new Honda CBR250R motorcycle, and still have money left over. Or, you could buy the most powerful gaming rig we've yet seen, with dual Nvidia cards, a quad-core Intel 4th-generation processor and a blazing 512GB SSD. Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/11/2013Rating:Total score: 80%

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Alienware: Alienware is an American computer hardware company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dell. It mainly assembles for high-performance gaming. Alienware also offers for sale rebadged laptops and computer peripherals, such as headsets, computer mice, monitors and keyboards. Alienware was founded in 1996. The corporate headquarters is located in Florida. Alienware established its EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) headquarters in Ireland, in 2002. 2005, Alienware brought in upwards of $170 million USD in annual sales and launched an international in 2003 with a presence in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Costa Rica. The international market share is limited.

These graphics cards are able to play the latest and most demanding games in high resolutions and full detail settings with enabled Anti-Aliasing.

AMD Radeon HD 6970M Crossfire: Two HD 6970M graphics card in Crossfire mode (also sometimes called 6970M X2). The gaming performance is usually a bit lower than a similar Nvidia SLI system due to comparatively worse driver support.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M SLI:

Two GeForce GTX 580M (GF114 Fermi) cards in SLI mode. Because of the maximum power usage of 2x 100 Watt of both MXM boards, the GTX580M SLI can only be used in very large laptops.

Intel Core i7: The Intel Core i7 for laptops is based on the LG1156 Core i5/i7 CPU for desktops. The base clock speed of the CPUs is relatively low, but because of a huge Turbo mode, the cores can dynamically overclock to up to 3.2 GHz (920XM). Therefore, the CPU can be as fast as high clocked dual-core CPUs (using single threaded applications) but still offer the advantage of 4 cores. Because of the large TDP of 45 W / 55 W, the CPU is only intended for large laptops.

Fastest mobile Quad-core processor in the third quardter of 2011 based on the Sandy Bridge architecture with an integrated graphics card and dual-channel DDR3 memory controller.

3920XM: Fastest Ivy Bridge mobile CPU (and fastest mobile CPU at all) at the time of arrival (April 2012) and clocked at 2.9 GHz with Turbo Boost support up to 3.8 GHz. Offers an integrated HD Graphics 4000 GPU running at 650-1300 MHz on a dual channel DDR3 memory controller. Compared to the other quad-core it features a 10W higher TDP of 55W.

18.4: 18 inch display size is a rare and very big size for desktop-replacement laptops. Laptops with 18 inch displays did not exist before 2008. The DTR-laptops can't be carried easily, need much energy but on the other side texts can be read easily and high resolutions are no problem. DTR mainly are intended for stationary usage on desks, where the weight and the energy need are unimportant.